Gun permit requests on the rise in CT

BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- The number of people seeking gun permits in Connecticut is on the rise. Many towns are reporting an increase in the number of application requests.

In 2011, 162,000 pistol permits were issued in the state. That number rose to 179,000 in 2012. Police departments throughout the state are slammed with applications in the aftermath of the tragedy at Sandy Hook.

"I think things are gonna get a little bit tighter for people to own guns now," said David Walters, of Branford, "and I'd like to go ahead and get in the process now and hopefully get in under any new laws that might be passed."

Branford Police have had 31 requests for pistol permits in the last 14 days. That's double the usual amount.

"There are millions and millions of Americans who legally own weapons in America," said Captain Geoffrey Morgan, Branford PD. "And our job is to enforce the constitution and it's a constitutional right."

Officials say it's their job to make sure gun ownership is taken seriously.

If you're thinking about getting your permit you should know, it's not a spur of the moment decision. It starts with an application, is a lengthy process, and costs hundreds of dollars.

Applicants must be fingerprinted on the state and federal level, take a firearms safety course, and go through a thorough background check. Branford Police say they get 800 calls a year for people suspected of mental disabilities. They say those reports are taken seriously.

"Those incidences are documented," Captain Morgan said. "So, you know, part of our suitability background investigation is a local records check to determine how many times we may have interacted with that citizen."

The permit process used to take about eight weeks. Now, those wait times are on the rise.

"Because of the influx in applications, and the backlog with the FBI, it's probably gone up to more like 10 to 12 weeks for an application process," Captain Morgan said.

It's a wait future gun owners say is worth it.

"For me it's more about home protection, and as former military, I really believe the second amendment is to take care of us against the government," Walters said.